How should the ordering and splits be handled? Ideally, we would use ghoti's existing database along with the same nomenclature so it doesn't have to be redone. Please discuss here or should we start a new thread somewhere?

A person will order a sack of grains or hops. Then on their list page they can click a button that will allow them to split it. They will then choose the number of times they want to split along with how many of those splits they want. Then below on all everybody's order page will be an active list of open group buys. You can then select a split and select the number of left items you would like. Once you select a split it will also be included in your order. I have included a screen shot as sometime it helps to see it.

The key to this is that a split is not tied to a particular person so if the original person does not want it any more they can delete from their order and it will go back into the pool. I am not sure what you mean by reporting, but each of your splits are listed on your order page. If you look at the new screen shot you will see the first grain I have listed are full bags. The second two items are both splits. This is noted by two different means. 1) it is missing is that first button which is the split button. 2) you can see the amounts under the name reflect the split amounts.